A 1925 Type 13 Brescia Bugatti has recently been recovered from Lake Maggiore, in northern Italy. The car has lain submerged since 1937, when its then-owners abandoned it rather than pay the punitive import duties of the time.
The car sank to a depth of 57 metres. As rumours abounded of its presence in the lake, various diving projects were started to find what is now an extremely valuable car. These culminated in the successful dive on 12 July 2009 when members of the Centro Sport Subacquei Salvataggio Ascona located the 84-year-old Bugatti and brought it to the surface – for the first time in 72 years. Its condition is surprisingly good and will – no doubt – form the basis for an extensive restoration.
The side of the car actually buried in the silt still retains its characteristic French blue paintwork, and the famous horseshoe grille is intact. Even the headlamps retain some chromework.
